An Cosantóir July/August issue on sale 30th June priced €3 or €1 online (€10 for 10 issues) #AnCosantoir

Hello and welcome to our 48-page July/August issue, which has a large focus on Special Forces and the Army Ranger Wing.

July is the month of remembrance for the Defence Forces, where we remember our fallen, many of whom died in the service of peace. This month we have many articles that feature our veterans, from using their skills after service and by discussing their peacekeeping experiences so we can learn from the past. Last year at this time we commemorated our achievement of being the only nation to complete 60-years of continuous involvement in United Nations peacekeeping, since 26th June 1958.

Our overseas service has always provided Irish soldiers, sailors and aircrews with the opportunity to practice their profession in an operational environment, to travel, and to meet new people, and sample foreign cultures, and most importantly, to make a difference where and when they could.

During those six decades of peacekeeping, we have lost 87 of our comrades in the service of peace. They made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to protect the vulnerable and bring peace to troubled regions of the world, regardless of the dangers and risk of personal harm. We also think of their families and their sacrifices. This month ONE’s Fuchsia Appeal will be to the forefront once again and we use their fundraising emblem as a symbol of remembrance for those who are deceased and to those currently serving in the Defence Forces. 

Cuimhnímis! – Let us remember!

“…Ireland pursues an independent course in foreign policy, but it is not neutral between liberty and tyranny and never will be…

…from this legislative assembly to the United Nations, Ireland is sending its most talented men to do the world’s most important work - the work of peace.

…but you no longer go as exiles and emigrants but for the service of your country and, indeed, of all men… 

I pay tribute to them and to all of you for your commitment and dedication to world order. 

And their sacrifice reminds us all that we must not falter now…

My friends, Ireland’s hour has come. You have something to give to the world - and that is a future of peace with freedom.”

- US President John F. Kennedy addresses Dáil éireann, 28th June 1963

This month we have 21 articles covering all aspects of military life, from your photographs On Parade, to our Veterans News, Defence Attaché visit, a look at the ARW, and an extended look at Special Forces – Ultimate Hell Week the reality TV show that took us by surprise. We have Recce, Belgian Special Forces, and Paul O’Brien’s Mercenaries Part 2, along with a veteran’s view of ‘A Life Less Ordinary’ and an expended History section looking at 3 Inf Bn, the Irish in D-Day, WoI Internment and the Limerick Soviet 1919. Our Sports section looks at the making of a Tactical Athlete along with our regular features Tac-Aide, Gear Review, Noticeboard, and Book Reviews. 

Enjoy the summer and see you in September.

Wayne Fitzgerald

www.DFMagazine.ie